The Frankenförde circular hiking trail - experience the Jüterbog wilderness area

The former military training area Jüterbog is now a nature reserve. We were on the way from the connecting path at the level of Frankenfelde and walked the Frankenförde circular hiking trail. Pure nature and very calm. A highlight is the quarry pond on the connecting path.

Within the Jüterbog foundation area, I went on a “RangerTour to the heather blossom” on Sunday morning with Ingo Höhne, ranger from the Brandenburg Nature Watch. For this event, at the former military training area, the participants had to sign a waiver of liability before entering the area because of the remaining ammunition. We then set off to explore the heath habitat in the fauna-flora-habitat area “Forst Zinna / Keilberg”. We learned that the heath is a survival area for animal and plant species with special adaptations to life on sand. And Of course, the heath was once again a special treat for the eyes when it was in bloom. But also grasses that often compete with the heath, such as the "soldier grass", which grows in rows at intervals and usually conquers its habitat underground in a straight line through a pointed rhizome, the circular bristled grass and areas with silver grass are among them and have been clearly explained to us. The exciting interaction of fungi and algae in reindeer lichens and similar structures was very interesting to us. This is the only way fungi and algae can colonize locations where they could not exist on their own. Lichens were once thought to be mosses, but today we know that lichens are not uniform organisms. On our further journey, Ingo caught a sand insect, which we were able to examine intensively with a magnifying glass and then release it back to its freedom. In the middle of the heath area, our ranger pointed out a nesting aid for the hoopoe, which otherwise breeds in tree and woodpecker holes as well as in root and wall niches. We took our leisurely rest, with backpack provisions, on the shore of an idyllic lake. We learned that the lake, as well as the reed-covered islands, were created by “human hands”. It owes its existence to the construction of a new highway. Ingo also informed us in detail about the care measures to preserve the heath. It is becoming increasingly difficult to attract shepherds with their sheep, who contribute to the rejuvenation of the heath through their browsing and thus counteract lignification. Last but not least, the wolves present on site keep the last shepherds and their animals away. So far only one shepherd works in the area from time to time. Attempts are now being made to help preserve the heathland landscapes with controlled fire. On our way back Ingo had a very special surprise. He carefully opened a spun ear of grass and a little animal that had migrated to Germany - not an insect! - gradually emerged: a one and a half centimeter tall greenish thorn finger spider with red markings on its abdomen. This spider can bite through human skin with its powerful jaw claws! A strong neurotoxin enters the body. The poison is not fatal to humans, but the bite is quite painful and closely resembles the sting of a wasp or bee, according to our ranger. However, chills, dizziness, nausea and even circulatory collapse have already been observed in allergy sufferers. Lymph nodes can also swell significantly. It was once again a highly informative hike, well organized by the Brandenburg Nature Watch, which I can warmly recommend to any hiker interested in nature. I would like to expressly point out to potential subsequent hikers that when entering the area it is imperative to adhere to the local signs and not to deviate from the paths that have been cleared of ammunition!